Thomas (Tom) Gernetzke

Tom Gernetzke, construction consultant,  picture

Thomas M. Gernetzke, F-IIBEC, RBEC, CBECxP, RRC, RWC, REWC, is the Principal Building Enclosure Consultant for Building Envelope Professionals Group (BEPG) in Oregon, Wisconsin. Tom specializes in roofing and waterproofing systems as well as exterior wall systems. He has successfully performed roofing and waterproofing assessment, analysis, design, and construction administration to rehabilitate roofing systems, split-slab and plaza deck assemblies, green roofing systems, below-grade structures, cladding and wall systems, and parking structures.

Selecting the right building envelope consultant (a.k.a. building enclosure consultant) is critical to your project’s success. Construction is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders, suppliers, manufacturers, and agencies. Therefore, using an independent consultant for construction management is critical for a real estate venture.

Tom frequently leads and participates in multi-disciplinary design and construction teams to complete large, complex building-envelope-related rehabilitation projects. Tom also performs hygrothermal analysis, peer review, quality assurance, and related services for new construction projects.

St. Norbert's Catholic Church picture
St. Norbert’s Church Exterior Restoration

Tom has always been committed to providing the best services for his clients. He understands that modern building envelope companies must stay ahead of the curve and offer innovative solutions to meet their clients’ needs. As such, Tom was one of the first building envelope companies to offer drone inspection and assessment services. Drone technology provides a cost-effective way to inspect difficult-to-reach areas quickly and accurately. 

BEPG Drone Team Logo

Investing in drones, laser scanning, and 3D Modeling technologies has enabled Tom to provide his clients with faster turnaround times and superior results. He is passionate about utilizing the latest industry advances to maximize the safety, comfort, and efficiency of every building project he works on.

Tom’s commitment to innovation and excellence has led him to become one of the region’s leading building enclosure consultants and building envelope companies.

Education & Credentials

International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants logo

Tom holds professional credentials from the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), including:

  • Registered Building Enclosure Consultant (RBEC®), 
  • Certified Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (CBECxP®)
  • Registered Roof Consultant (RRC®), 
  • Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC®), and 
  • Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWC®).

These credentials ensure clients receive knowledgeable, comprehensive, and unbiased building envelope services. In addition, as an IIBEC Consultant member, Tom adheres to a strict code of ethics to offer unprejudiced building enclosure management services without affiliation with any product or manufacturer.

Registered Building Enclosure Consultant (RBEC®)

This designation is awarded to those who have earned the Registered Roof Consultant (RRC), Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC), and Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWC) registrations.

Certified Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (CBECxP®)

Tom holds the very first certificate given for this designation! The CBECxP is awarded to those who will conduct all the tasks required to carry out a comprehensive and complete building enclosure commissioning process. This certification applies to building enclosure commissioning of all buildings.

Registered Roof Consultant (RRC®)

Registered Roof Consultants (RRCs) are distinguished consultants with industry-wide knowledge of every facet of the roof construction process. They are independent roofing experts who stand apart from suppliers, product manufacturers and contractors, and serve as counselors for building owners on matters pertaining to both existing and new construction. To earn the RRC title, consultants must pass a computer-based exam, provide character references, and have documented experience. As the demand for the RRC title continues to grow rapidly, private clients and public agencies recognize the value of their quantified skill-set and professionalism.

Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC®)

Registered Waterproofing Consultants (RWCs) are professionals with proven expertise in various waterproofing materials, systems, and installations. They review, specify, and inspect construction projects, demonstrating their ability to document, evaluate, recommend, design, and administer both above- and below-grade waterproofing projects competently. Their professional consulting services adhere to relevant building codes and industry standards. Additionally, these consultants have established their ethical and professional competence through a computer-based exam, character references, and documented experience.

Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWC®)

Registered Exterior Wall Consultants (REWCs) are professionals who have showcased their knowledge and skills in providing unbiased consulting and documentation for the investigation, design, construction, repair, and testing of exterior wall systems, adhering to relevant codes and standards. They possess proficient knowledge of wall drainage systems, various exterior wall cladding systems, fenestration assemblies, proper selection of sealants, and understanding of forces imposed on exterior wall systems. Having proven their ethical soundness and professional expertise through a computer-based exam, character references, and documented experience, REWCs are recognized as credible professionals in the field of exterior wall systems.

F-IIBEC

Finally, Tom earned his honorary title F-IIBEC by demonstrating meritorious service. IIBEC awards the Jury of Fellows title to a select few.

Experience

Tom founded BEPG in 2017 to approach building and construction projects honestly, accurately, and impartially with expertise and service unmatched in the industry. His company helps clients develop building and construction project budgets and stay within budget.

Tom’s extensive experience as a roofing and building envelope consultant began in 2003. 

Before his building enclosure consulting career, Tom managed the low-slope roofing division for a Madison-area roofing, siding, and remodeling contractor.

Professional Recognition

In 2022, IIBEC released a video explaining the benefits of hiring member consultants. Tom opens the video by stating, “IIBEC is the Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants and somebody that can see buildings from a holistic perspective. Not just roofing, not just windows, not just sealants but the whole envelope.”

BEPG is a proud member of IIBEC. This video features Tom Gernetzke, owner of BEPG, describing the benefits and credentials necessary to be a certified member.

He also says, “I’m fortunate to be able to see projects from a conceptual standpoint all the way through the design process to actually being constructed in the field. And then I get to see buildings that are 10, 20, 30, 40, 80 years old. I could see how those decisions at the beginning of the design process impact the overall performance of the building over time.”

Other member consultants comment on the benefits of having an educated and trained professional who follows a code of ethics and helps you understand when and why you need to spend money to make your building safe and comfortable. They also help you find the right contractors for the work.

Tom’s final statement “Through IIBEC, I’m a registered roofing consultant, waterproofing consultant, and exterior wall consultant. When you have those three consultant exams, you can be a registered building enclosure/building envelope consultant. So when somebody calls and says we’re having a problem with this specific building, I’m able to have a pretty good perspective on how all three of those components are assembled and how they interact both as individual systems and combined as a whole.”

Industry Involvement & Volunteerism

Tom believes in giving back to the industry through ongoing involvement with IIBEC, previously known as RCI, Inc: The Institute of Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exterior Wall Professionals. 

Tom has been an active member his entire career. He was influential in creating the Emerging Professionals Committee and Operation Moonshot, RCI’s initiative to involve a professional RCI member in every public school re-roofing project in North America. 

He served as the Region III director and was vital in developing four new RCI chapters. Tom’s contributions resulted in his election and service on the RCI Executive Committee, including the roles of:

  • Secretary / Treasurer, 
  •  Second Vice-President and Annual Convention Committee Chairman, 
  •  First Vice-President, 
  •  President, and 
  •  Immediate Past-President. 

Currently, Tom is Chair of the Jury of Fellows for IIBEC.

BEPG Services

Tom’s company, BEPG, specializes in drone technology, analyzing and designing roofing, waterproofing, fenestration, and masonry/cladding systems.

Our complete list of professional building envelope services includes:

Repairing, Restoring, or Constructing a Commercial Building?